Metoclopramide hydrochloride is available in 2-, 10-, and 30-mL single-dose (preservative-free) vials, and 2-mL prefilled syringes.3734; 3735; 3736 Each mL of solution contains metoclopramide base 5 mg (present as the hydrochloride) with sodium chloride 8.5 mg and hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide, if necessary, in water for injection.3734; 3735; 3736
pH
From 2.5 to 6.5.3734; 3735; 3736 A pH range of 4.5 to 6.5 has been stated by a manufacturer (Fresenius Kabi).3735 Metoclopramide hydrochloride prepared at metoclopramide concentrations of 1.25, 2.22, and 3.75 mg/mL in sodium chloride 0.9% had pH values of 4.4, 4.1, and 4, respectively.2161
Osmolality
The osmolality of metoclopramide hydrochloride undiluted at a metoclopramide concentration of 5 mg/mL was determined to be 280 mOsm/kg.1233 Metoclopramide hydrochloride prepared at metoclopramide concentrations of 1.25, 2.22, and 3.75 mg/mL in sodium chloride 0.9% had osmolalities of 285, 286, and 294 mOsm/kg, respectively.2161
Trade Name(s)
Reglan
Metoclopramide hydrochloride is administered by intramuscular injection, direct intravenous injection, or intermittent intravenous infusion.3734; 3735; 3736 Doses up to 10 mg may be administered undiluted by direct intravenous injection over 1 to 2 minutes.3734; 3735; 3736 Larger doses may be diluted in 50 mL of compatible diluent and administered by intravenous infusion over at least 15 minutes.3734; 3735; 3736
Metoclopramide hydrochloride injection is a clear, colorless solution.3735; 3736 Intact vials and prefilled syringes should be stored at controlled room temperature and protected from light.3734; 3735; 3736
Metoclopramide hydrochloride solution is light sensitive.3734; 3735; 3736 Diluted solutions of metoclopramide hydrochloride for infusion in sodium chloride 0.9%, dextrose 5%, dextrose 5% in sodium chloride 0.45%, Ringer's injection, and Ringer's injection, lactated may be stored for up to 48 hours if protected from light or up to 24 hours unprotected from light under normal light conditions.3734; 3735; 3736
Solutions should be visually inspected for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use.3734; 3735; 3736 Vials and prefilled syringes of metoclopramide hydrchloride are intended for single use only, and any unused portions should be discarded.3734; 3735; 3736
Freezing Solutions
Metoclopramide hydrochloride diluted in sodium chloride 0.9% is stated to be stable for up to 4 weeks when stored frozen;3734; 3735; 3736 but degrades when diluted in dextrose 5% and frozen.3734; 3735; 3736
Metoclopramide hydrochloride (Robins) undiluted at a metoclopramide concentration of 5 mg/mL and packaged as 3 mL in plastic infusion-pump syringes (MiniMed) fitted with Luer-Lok tip caps (Burron) exhibited microprecipitation that did not redissolve upon warming to room temperature when stored frozen at -20°C for as little as 1 day. The precipitate was not visible with the unaided eye. Freezing is not an acceptable storage method for undiluted metoclopramide hydrochloride injection.2001
Syringes
Metoclopramide hydrochloride (Robins) undiluted at a metoclopramide concentration of 5 mg/mL was packaged as 3 mL in plastic infusion-pump syringes (MiniMed) fitted with Luer-Lok tip caps (Burron). Stored for 7 days at 32°C to simulate wearing a portable infusion pump close to the body, metoclopramide hydrochloride was physically stable and little loss occurred. At 23°C, metoclopramide hydrochloride was physically and chemically stable for up to 60 days with little loss occurring. However, large quantities of subvisible particulates formed after that time, making the drug unsuitable for use. Stored under refrigeration at 4°C, metoclopramide hydrochloride remained both physically and chemically stable for up to 90 days.2001
Metoclopramide hydrochloride (Solopak) prepared at a metoclopramide concentration of 2.5 mg/mL in sodium chloride 0.9% packaged in polypropylene syringes (Sherwood) was physically stable and exhibited little or no loss in 24 hours stored at 4 and 23°C.2199
Central Venous Catheter
Metoclopramide hydrochloride (Abbott) prepared at a metoclopramide concentration of 0.5 mg/mL in dextrose 5% was found to be compatible with the ARROWg+ard Blue Plus (Arrow International) chlorhexidine-bearing triple-lumen central catheter. Essentially complete delivery of the drug was found with little or no drug loss occurring. Furthermore, chlorhexidine delivered from the catheter remained at trace amounts with no substantial increase due to the delivery of the drug through the catheter.2335
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